Well it finally arrived. I lease my company cars, and thanks to the greedy gubberment, I was looking for something a bit more tax efficient this time around. The Phev seemed to fit the bill. I have a 19.4 mile round trip commute, so I consider my usage pattern to be ideal.
Whilst I did have an opportunity to test drive via an acquaintance of mine who has owned one since last September, I chose not to because this time I had to let my head rule my right foot. I’ve had an Outlander before, albeit disguised as a Citroen (C-Crosser), and diesel to boot. So I knew the vehicle style would suit my needs, there was just a question mark over the Hybrid powertrain.
I have been more than happy with my E-Class estate with 2.2 litre diesel lump. Comfortable, plenty of grunt, parks itself, etc. etc., so I was a little nervous about finally discovering what I’d let myself in for.
Here are my initial thoughts, having had it for just one afternoon so far:
Slow (initially) - from a standing start it seems painfully lacking in get-up-and-go. Not that I’m the type to have been revving the engine of vehicles past whilst waiting for the lights to go green, but there are some very busy traffic islands I frequently negotiate and a spritely sortie onto same is often essential if one desires to proceed without upsetting anyone. Haven’t put that to the test in the Phev yet...
Eager - once the ‘go’ has been achieved, the problem seems to be keeping the speed down to 30mph. It feels like driving a horse that wants to gallop off - requiring pulling in of the reigns in order to maintain a more sedate pace as dictated by the speed limit. I like this aspect, however.
Floats like a butterfly - Well, is light on its, err, wheels anyhow. You wouldn’t think that this is a behemoth weighing 2 tonnes, as the drive feels light and effortless. Getting back behind the wheel of the Merc (yes, I’ve still got it for now) brings about feelings of weight, stiffness, and more clunk than click.
Noisily Quiet - A contradiction in itself, but because of the lack of engine noise, everything else seems loud. The whirr of the motors (reminds me of being on a commuter train), road noise, wind noise. The only time I perceive the car to be silent, is when ‘ticking over’ (electrically) around car parks.
Basic Interior - Leather, yes, but the cabin is pretty ordinary. This is not really an issue, as I knew what to expect from the outset. The rear seat squabs are shorter than most cars (as attested to by my 12yr old daughter), but up front I am comfortable and generally happy with the seating position.
Economy - Too early to say, but it was displayed that the delivery driver who drove it from Bradford to Birmingham achieved 35.6 miles per gallon.
The Merc would achieve at least 54mpg on that journey, probably more, but the long-term average mpg of the Merc is only 33.6mpg. I know I’m going to do better on the commute, so no issues there.
Have I made the right choice ? I certainly don’t feel that I have made the wrong one, but I reserve final judgement until I have had the chance to experience the car a bit more. But it has to be said, my back pocket will certainly be patting me on the back, once the tax office issues my new code
.
Whilst I did have an opportunity to test drive via an acquaintance of mine who has owned one since last September, I chose not to because this time I had to let my head rule my right foot. I’ve had an Outlander before, albeit disguised as a Citroen (C-Crosser), and diesel to boot. So I knew the vehicle style would suit my needs, there was just a question mark over the Hybrid powertrain.
I have been more than happy with my E-Class estate with 2.2 litre diesel lump. Comfortable, plenty of grunt, parks itself, etc. etc., so I was a little nervous about finally discovering what I’d let myself in for.
Here are my initial thoughts, having had it for just one afternoon so far:
Slow (initially) - from a standing start it seems painfully lacking in get-up-and-go. Not that I’m the type to have been revving the engine of vehicles past whilst waiting for the lights to go green, but there are some very busy traffic islands I frequently negotiate and a spritely sortie onto same is often essential if one desires to proceed without upsetting anyone. Haven’t put that to the test in the Phev yet...
Eager - once the ‘go’ has been achieved, the problem seems to be keeping the speed down to 30mph. It feels like driving a horse that wants to gallop off - requiring pulling in of the reigns in order to maintain a more sedate pace as dictated by the speed limit. I like this aspect, however.
Floats like a butterfly - Well, is light on its, err, wheels anyhow. You wouldn’t think that this is a behemoth weighing 2 tonnes, as the drive feels light and effortless. Getting back behind the wheel of the Merc (yes, I’ve still got it for now) brings about feelings of weight, stiffness, and more clunk than click.
Noisily Quiet - A contradiction in itself, but because of the lack of engine noise, everything else seems loud. The whirr of the motors (reminds me of being on a commuter train), road noise, wind noise. The only time I perceive the car to be silent, is when ‘ticking over’ (electrically) around car parks.
Basic Interior - Leather, yes, but the cabin is pretty ordinary. This is not really an issue, as I knew what to expect from the outset. The rear seat squabs are shorter than most cars (as attested to by my 12yr old daughter), but up front I am comfortable and generally happy with the seating position.
Economy - Too early to say, but it was displayed that the delivery driver who drove it from Bradford to Birmingham achieved 35.6 miles per gallon.
The Merc would achieve at least 54mpg on that journey, probably more, but the long-term average mpg of the Merc is only 33.6mpg. I know I’m going to do better on the commute, so no issues there.
Have I made the right choice ? I certainly don’t feel that I have made the wrong one, but I reserve final judgement until I have had the chance to experience the car a bit more. But it has to be said, my back pocket will certainly be patting me on the back, once the tax office issues my new code
.
